Over 80 kayakers, canoeists, and paddle boarders took to the North River in Norwell on Saturday to compete in the 23rd annual Great River Race.

This years turnout almost doubled last year’s and came as a pleasant surprise to Samantha Woods, the Executive Director of the North and South River’s Watershed Association, who was worried that this week’s heat wave might keep potential competitors indoors.

“We only had about 30 racers pre-registered, and I thought we wouldn’t get that many the day of if it was as hot as it has been,” said Woods.

However, boaters who braved the heat, were rewarded with a cool breeze that kept up for most of the race.

Some of this year’s participants decorated their boats for the 7.5 mile cruise. Many of those who did used their vessels as a way to raise awareness about different organizations they support.

Kayaker Alex Russo and his friend Dave Arruda crafted a kayak out of nothing but duct tape and PVC pipe to help raise awareness about Heroes on the Water, a group that helps rehabilitating soldiers adjust to life after combat by taking them on kayaking fishing trips.

“They’re a great organization and it’s nice to see them in Massachusetts, but not many people know about it so we’re happy to spread the word via an unforgettable craft,” said Arruda.

Arudda added that they were inspired to build the craft, which features an American flag design, after seeing a similar kayak built on the television show Mythbuster’s last year.

After racing the kayak in last year’s Great River Race, the friends brought it back with some improvements, including a rudder, that helped them shave about 15 minutes off of their previous time.

“Last year’s vessel was slow and sluggish,” said Russo. “It was dragging, but this version was a lot more efficient on the water.”

Another kayaker who was promoting a cause with his boat was Jeff Fiedler.

Fiedler, a past participant at the race, decided that this year he would adorn his kayak with a banner from the Multiple Sclerosis Society to help raise awareness about the disease.

“I was actually diagnosed with MS after that first race, so I just wanted to raise awareness by putting that on,” said Fiedler.

Although the decorated boats may have been a success visually, they did not fare as well competitively with neither Russo or Fiedler finishing in the top three for their boat category.

Ryan Caffyn-Parsons finished first in the Kayak Single Men’s group, Nanci LaMarre finished first in the Kayak single Women’s group and Pete Olson and Mike Wright finished first Canoe Men’s group.